A recent study from the University of Arizona highlights Yuma County’s remarkable contribution to Arizona’s economy, revealing that its agriculture and agribusiness generated an impressive $4.4 billion in economic activity in 2022, with $3.9 billion directly benefiting Yuma County. This impressive economic footprint makes Yuma a prominent player in the agricultural landscape, boasting retail vegetable sales worth $3.2 billion and ranking it third in the nation for produce sales, including vegetables, melons, and sweet potatoes.
George Frisvold, the study’s lead and a professor at the U of A, pointed out that Yuma is not only productive but also efficient in its water usage. For every $1,000 in vegetable sales, the region utilizes only 0.63 acre-feet of water, a staggering contrast to the average 1.44 acre-feet used in the Colorado Basin. This efficiency raises important conversations about water management in agricultural practices.
The study positions Yuma among the leading agricultural regions in the country, revealing vegetable farmers there are 58 times more concentrated than the national average. José Quintero, an agricultural analyst at U of A, highlighted Yuma’s vital role in agriculture, comparing its significance to that of Hollywood in film and Silicon Valley in technology, emphasizing the county’s unique agricultural prowess.
Using a custom multiregional input-output model, researchers meticulously quantified the economic contributions from Yuma’s farming activities and related industries. Claudia V. Montanía noted that the findings harnessed the latest USDA Census of Agriculture data to accurately reflect the agricultural landscape of the county.
Yuma County’s agricultural operations directly contributed $2.8 billion, encompassing $1.3 billion from crops, $167 million from livestock, and substantial inputs from agricultural support services and university-related research. Dari Duval, an economic impact analyst at U of A, stated that Yuma’s agribusiness extends well beyond mere farming, emphasizing its extensive role in national winter vegetable supply chains.
A new study reveals that Yuma County’s agriculture generated $4.4 billion in economic activity in Arizona, with $3.2 billion in retail vegetable sales. Water usage efficiency is highlighted, with Yuma using less water per dollar of produce than the national average. The report showcases Yuma’s agricultural prominence, with farmers significantly more concentrated compared to national numbers, drawing comparisons to Hollywood and Silicon Valley for its economic impact.
The recent economic study from the University of Arizona underscores Yuma County’s vital role in the state’s agricultural sector, with substantial contributions amounting to $4.4 billion. Its efficient water usage and significant retail produce sales reflect a dynamic agricultural ecosystem. With a concentration of farmers far exceeding the national average, Yuma is poised as a powerhouse in the agricultural industry, comparable to notable hubs like Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Original Source: news.arizona.edu
